Say hola to a world of flavourful dishes at Sydney’s best Mexican restaurants.
When it comes to picking our favourites food destinations, we’ve got plenty of choices in Sydney. But as far as flavourful dining destinations go, Mexican restaurants tend to be at the top of our list. From the humble guac and bowl of crunchy tostadas to tacos loaded with everything from slow-cooked lamb to kingfish ceviche, there’s plenty to get you salivating. If you’re searching for the best spots to score a delicious Mexican feed (and top-notch tequila cocktail), look no further than our guide to Sydney’s best Mexican restaurants.
Alegre, Darling Harbour
Alegre is an upmarket Mexican restaurant bringing beats, barbacoa, mezcals and Mayan food techniques to Darling Harbour. The menu pays homage to traditional Mayan cooking methods infused with distinctly Australian native ingredients. Find out more here.
St Alma, Freshwater & Avalon
With beachside charm and an eclectic mix of modern-Mexican share plates, St Alma should be on your radar. Owners Leary and Christensen set out to emulate the best of Mexican cuisine in both venues. Owner Tim Christensen is at the helm of the kitchen, fusing authentic Mexican flavours with seasonal ingredients that are found within close proximity of the restaurant. Find out more here.
Santa Catarina
This new venue from Milpa Collective has to be one of our favourites from the group! The restaurant combines fine dining with traditional Oaxacan flavours in the heart of Sydney CBD. The shelves are stocked with only the best tequila and mezcal to answer all your Margarita and Paloma dreams, while the menu will give you everything from Ceviche and Carne Asada Tacos to Roasted Chicken and a good steak with Chimichurri. Find out more here.
Meijco, CBD
Boasting Australia’s largest tequila range is no mean feat, and at Méjico you can find just that. Located in the heart of the CBD on Pitt Street, this market-to-table Mexican eatery delivers modern dishes inspired by regional flavours and authentic culinary techniques. Whether you’re looking for a date-night spot or want to gather your crew for a long-overdue get-together, Méjico will welcome you with open arms. Start with street snacks like fried jalapeno poppers stuffed with 3 kinds of cheese and chipotle mayo before tasting your way through flavourful tacos, market-fresh tuna tostadas, charcoaled meats and so much more.
Chula, Potts Point
Bringing a dash of South American spice to Potts Point, Chula has become an eastern suburbs favourite since opening its doors back in 2017. Since then, the Mexican restaurant has gone from strength to strength, serving up a vibrant menu of modern Mexican dishes. Whether you’re after a bowl of guac and a few rounds of tacos or a lavish set menu of Mexican favourites, you can find it all at Chula.
Chica Bonita, Manly
For northern beaches locals, Chica Bonita will be a familiar favourite. This neighbourhood Mexican eatery has been drawing crowds since 2012, renowned for its no-frills Mexican dishes and famous fish tacos. Chica Bonita delivers every from small share plates of kingfish ceviche and chorizo to epic tacos, enchiladas, mole pork belly and so much more. Plus you can wash it all down with well-made tequila cocktails, margaritas or a can of Tecate.
Tequila Mockingbird, Paddington
Flock to Paddington’s Five Ways and you’ll stumble upon the humble Latin American-influenced bar-meets-restaurant, Tequila Mockingbird. Finding its home in a lovingly restored terrace, this dining destination is a must for fans of flavourful cuisine. While it might not technically be entirely Mexican, we believe it deserves a mention. Expect tapas-style share plates featuring everything from ceviche tacos and nachos to flame-grilled dishes like charcoal chicken, slow-roasted lamb shoulder and grilled Tasmanian salmon. Plus, as the name would suggest, this is certainly a spot to nab a delicious tequila-based cocktail (or two).
Barrio Cellar, CBD
In the mood for a late-night dose of tacos and tequila? If you find yourself at Barrio Cellar, you’ve landed in the right place. This subterranean Mexican restaurant fuses Mexican and SoCal flavours, delivering an innovative menu of street food to delight Sydney diners. Expect to see a mouthwatering menu of quesadillas, tacos, burgers, burritos and so much more.
Carbon, Bondi
Bringing the flavours of Tulum direct to the foreshore of Bondi Beach, Carbon delivers unmissable Mexican dining to Sydney’s most iconic beachside suburb. At Carbon, the focus of the menu is on wood-fired dishes infused with traditional South American culinary techniques. The produce is fresh, the flavours punchy and the dishes one-of-a-kind. This fun, buzzing restaurant delivers everything from sardine tostadas and charred street corn to more substantial dishes including pibil chicken, market fish zarandeado and so much more.
Bad Hombres, Surry Hills
Speaking of an innovative menu, this list wouldn’t be complete without the inclusion of boundary-pushing vegan eatery, Bad Hombres. Although everything on this Mexican-inspired menu is plant-based, each dish packs a flavourful punch. Pull up a chair at this casual cantina and prepare for everything from king mushroom Peruvian ceviche to crispy eggplant tacos and even Chilli ‘NON’ Carne bowls loaded with shiitake mushrooms, black beans, jalapenos and more.
